Hum
You're probably right.
In my view the rather extraordinary combo of TIA, uncommanded reduction in power, too little margin for error.
The few hours on type didn't help. Although he had been to Bruntingthorpe 2 weeks beforehand.
HP
If you go in slow and low I agree a scan pattern inside becomes more important.
No one that I know off considers a loop to start when 30 degrees of pitch is reached. No one looks in....checks the AH, says Aha, 30 degrees of pitch...what is my speed and altitude ?
Lookout on way round....check wings level....just before the Apex, check the gate, then head back and watch the horizon come over the top already knowing if you've made the gate or not.
Personally I don't buy this 3700 / 2700 stuff.